Wiesbaden struggles to maintain league status
SSV Wehen Wiesbaden's fight to remain in the 2nd Bundesliga isn't over yet. In the first match of the relegation play-offs against Jahn Regensburg, they were initially trailing, but managed to secure a draw.
The first leg of the relegation play-offs between SSV Jahn Regensburg and SV Wehen Wiesbaden had fans on the edge of their seats, as nothing is decided yet in the race for the last spot in the second division. The 2-2 (1-0) draw on Friday evening at Regensburg's Jahnstadion slightly favors Wiesbaden, who will be playing at home when the second match takes place next Tuesday (8:30 PM/Sky).
Noah Ganaus (27) put Jahn ahead with a strong performance in the first half, watched by 13,378 spectators. Wehen Wiesbaden responded after halftime with goals from Robin Heußer (66) and John Iredale, who had just come on as a substitute. But Jahn fought back, and Dominik Kother (80') scored again, having previously set up Ganaus's goal. Coach Nils Döring, who was suspended for this game at Regensburg, will be able to coach Wiesbaden's team actively in their home game. This could turn things around.
In the past, Jahn has gone from the 3rd division straight to the 2nd division twice through relegation play-offs. In 2012, they defeated Karlsruher SC, and in 2017, TSV 1860 Munich. Starting off in this game, Jahn's coach, Joe Enochs, relied on their historical successes. The referee acknowledged an advantage after a foul on Robin Ziegele during a long pass, and Kother set up Ganaus for a score.
With three changes at halftime, Wehen Wiesbaden started playing better. Ivan Prtjain's header was a promising moment (53'). Heußer then scored. Iredale soon netted as well. Despite Kother's last goal tied it up at 2-2, both teams still tried to win the game.
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SSV Wehen Wiesbaden's survival in the Soccer Bundesliga hinges on their performance in the relegation matches against Jahn Regensburg. If they can secure a win in the second leg, they could avoid the drop to the third division.
The outcome of the Soccer Bundesliga relegation play-offs between SSV Wehen Wiesbaden and Jahn Regensburg could see one of these teams potentially moving up or down in the Soccer Bundesliga ranks, depending on the result.
Source: www.ntv.de